Where is the shrine located in the "The Water Guides" shrine quest in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild?
The "The Water Guides" shrine quest in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is a unique and engaging challenge that requires players to solve an environmental puzzle to reveal the hidden shrine. This quest is located in the Lanayru region, specifically near the Zora Domain. The shrine itself is called the Ne'ez Yohma Shrine, and it is hidden beneath the water, requiring players to manipulate the environment to access it. Here is a detailed guide on how to complete this quest, including mechanics, strategies, and tips.
To begin the quest, you must first speak to an NPC named Ledo, who is found near the Zora Domain. Ledo is a Zora stonemason working on a waterwheel near the East Reservoir Lake. He will explain that the shrine is hidden underwater and can only be accessed by manipulating the water flow in the area. This is where the mechanics of the quest come into play. The key to revealing the shrine is to use the waterwheel mechanism to lower the water level in the reservoir, which will expose the shrine.
The first step is to locate the waterwheel mechanism. It is situated near Ledo, and you will notice a large stone slab blocking the water flow. To move the slab, you need to use Cryonis, one of the rune abilities granted by the Sheikah Slate. Cryonis allows you to create ice pillars in bodies of water, which can be used to push or block objects. In this case, you will use Cryonis to lift the stone slab and allow water to flow into the waterwheel. To do this, stand near the slab and aim Cryonis at the water directly beneath it. Create an ice pillar to lift the slab, which will then allow water to flow into the waterwheel and activate it.
Once the waterwheel is activated, it will begin to turn, and this will lower the water level in the reservoir. As the water level drops, the Ne'ez Yohma Shrine will gradually become visible. You will need to wait a few moments for the water to fully recede, revealing the shrine entrance. At this point, you can approach the shrine and interact with it to begin the trial inside.
There are a few important tips and considerations to keep in mind while completing this quest. First, make sure you have enough stamina to use Cryonis multiple times if needed. The stone slab can be tricky to lift, and you may need to adjust the position of your ice pillar to get it right. Additionally, be patient as the water level drops. It takes a little time for the shrine to become fully accessible, so do not rush the process.
A common mistake players make is not positioning the Cryonis ice pillar correctly. If the pillar is not directly beneath the stone slab, it will not lift the slab effectively, and the waterwheel will not activate. Take your time to aim carefully and ensure the pillar is in the right spot. Another mistake is not waiting long enough for the water to recede. If you try to access the shrine too early, you may find it still partially submerged, making it difficult to enter.
For advanced techniques, you can optimize the process by using Cryonis to create multiple ice pillars if needed. This can help stabilize the stone slab and ensure it stays lifted long enough for the waterwheel to activate. Additionally, if you have the Zora Armor set, which allows you to swim upstream and climb waterfalls, you can use it to navigate the area more efficiently, though it is not required for this quest.
In terms of preparation, there are no specific items required beyond the Sheikah Slate and its Cryonis rune. However, having a few stamina-restoring foods or elixirs can be helpful if you need to use Cryonis multiple times. It is also a good idea to save your game before attempting the quest, in case you need to retry any steps.
An alternative approach to this quest involves using other abilities or environmental interactions, though Cryonis is the most straightforward method. For example, if you have the Stasis rune, you could theoretically freeze the stone slab and hit it to move it, but this is less reliable and more time-consuming. Cryonis is the recommended method for its simplicity and effectiveness.
In summary, the "The Water Guides" shrine quest is a clever environmental puzzle that showcases the creative use of the Cryonis rune. By lifting the stone slab and activating the waterwheel, you can lower the water level and reveal the hidden Ne'ez Yohma Shrine. With careful positioning, patience, and a bit of preparation, this quest can be completed smoothly, allowing you to access the shrine and continue your adventure in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild.
To begin the quest, you must first speak to an NPC named Ledo, who is found near the Zora Domain. Ledo is a Zora stonemason working on a waterwheel near the East Reservoir Lake. He will explain that the shrine is hidden underwater and can only be accessed by manipulating the water flow in the area. This is where the mechanics of the quest come into play. The key to revealing the shrine is to use the waterwheel mechanism to lower the water level in the reservoir, which will expose the shrine.
The first step is to locate the waterwheel mechanism. It is situated near Ledo, and you will notice a large stone slab blocking the water flow. To move the slab, you need to use Cryonis, one of the rune abilities granted by the Sheikah Slate. Cryonis allows you to create ice pillars in bodies of water, which can be used to push or block objects. In this case, you will use Cryonis to lift the stone slab and allow water to flow into the waterwheel. To do this, stand near the slab and aim Cryonis at the water directly beneath it. Create an ice pillar to lift the slab, which will then allow water to flow into the waterwheel and activate it.
Once the waterwheel is activated, it will begin to turn, and this will lower the water level in the reservoir. As the water level drops, the Ne'ez Yohma Shrine will gradually become visible. You will need to wait a few moments for the water to fully recede, revealing the shrine entrance. At this point, you can approach the shrine and interact with it to begin the trial inside.
There are a few important tips and considerations to keep in mind while completing this quest. First, make sure you have enough stamina to use Cryonis multiple times if needed. The stone slab can be tricky to lift, and you may need to adjust the position of your ice pillar to get it right. Additionally, be patient as the water level drops. It takes a little time for the shrine to become fully accessible, so do not rush the process.
A common mistake players make is not positioning the Cryonis ice pillar correctly. If the pillar is not directly beneath the stone slab, it will not lift the slab effectively, and the waterwheel will not activate. Take your time to aim carefully and ensure the pillar is in the right spot. Another mistake is not waiting long enough for the water to recede. If you try to access the shrine too early, you may find it still partially submerged, making it difficult to enter.
For advanced techniques, you can optimize the process by using Cryonis to create multiple ice pillars if needed. This can help stabilize the stone slab and ensure it stays lifted long enough for the waterwheel to activate. Additionally, if you have the Zora Armor set, which allows you to swim upstream and climb waterfalls, you can use it to navigate the area more efficiently, though it is not required for this quest.
In terms of preparation, there are no specific items required beyond the Sheikah Slate and its Cryonis rune. However, having a few stamina-restoring foods or elixirs can be helpful if you need to use Cryonis multiple times. It is also a good idea to save your game before attempting the quest, in case you need to retry any steps.
An alternative approach to this quest involves using other abilities or environmental interactions, though Cryonis is the most straightforward method. For example, if you have the Stasis rune, you could theoretically freeze the stone slab and hit it to move it, but this is less reliable and more time-consuming. Cryonis is the recommended method for its simplicity and effectiveness.
In summary, the "The Water Guides" shrine quest is a clever environmental puzzle that showcases the creative use of the Cryonis rune. By lifting the stone slab and activating the waterwheel, you can lower the water level and reveal the hidden Ne'ez Yohma Shrine. With careful positioning, patience, and a bit of preparation, this quest can be completed smoothly, allowing you to access the shrine and continue your adventure in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild.